09/23/2025
Heard great things about the Snoo? We’ve heard the claims too, but the long stretches of coerced sleep come with a high cost.. (financially & developmentally!)
Not everything that promises better sleep for your baby is actually better for you or your baby. Sleep is important for everyone, don’t get me wrong, but the Snoo and similar products can wreak havoc on a baby’s development and your milk supply!
The Snoo’s continuous motion & automatic response feature can suppress your babies hunger cues, especially during those critical early weeks when your baby should be waking regularly to feed. Studies have shown that babies who miss early hunger cues due to excessive soothing (including swaddling and motion) are more likely to lose more weight in the early days and fall off their growth curve. Ultimately, the trade off of more sleep is fewer feedings, and fewer feedings means slower weight gain. A baby who nurses less is not going to stimulate continued adequate milk production either, which means low supply for those who are breastfeeding. This is preventable!
It goes beyond feeding and weight gain, though. The Snoo will shush, rock, vibrate, and restrain the infant...which means limited movement and a reduction in contact with parents. Movement is a necessity for the brain’s development, and connection and contact with parents are vital for development. Restricted movement will also promote body tension and can lead to plagiocephaly.
Snoo use can cause:
❌lower milk supply
❌concerns for poor primitive reflex integration
❌slower weight gain
❌reduced milk intake
❌delayed or inhibited motor development
❌missed feedings
❌restricts body movement > concerns for plagiocephaly (flat head) and torticollis
❌inhibits sensory development/processing
❌depresses vestibular system (needed for balance) due to constant rocking
❌strained fascia
So, no. We don’t recommend them. Save yourself the $$. There are safer options for sleep. Your baby’s development and your milk supply don’t need to hang in the balance.
Reach out if you need support with feedings, weight gain, or sleep. We are here to help 🤍
